Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A system comprising: one or more processors; a memory; and one or more components stored in the memory and executable by the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving, from a user device, a session request; determining that the session request is latency-sensitive; accessing a data structure storing a plurality of entries of latency information, a first entry of the plurality of entries identifying a first user plane function and an associated first latency; determining that the first latency is a lowest latency indicated in the plurality of entries; and transmitting, to the first user plane function, a request to provide services from a data network to the user device, wherein a second entry of the plurality of entries identifies a second user plane function and an associated second latency, the second user plane function being in closer physical proximity to the user device than the first user plane function, the second latency being greater than the first latency.
This invention relates to optimizing network service delivery for latency-sensitive applications by selecting a user plane function (UPF) based on latency performance rather than physical proximity. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring low-latency connectivity for time-critical applications, such as real-time gaming or video streaming, where delays can degrade user experience. The system includes processors and memory storing components that receive a session request from a user device and determine if it is latency-sensitive. It then accesses a data structure containing latency information for multiple UPFs, each entry associating a UPF with its measured latency. The system selects the UPF with the lowest latency, even if another UPF is physically closer to the user device but has higher latency. This ensures optimal performance for latency-sensitive sessions by prioritizing actual latency metrics over geographical proximity. The approach improves service quality for applications where minimal delay is critical, regardless of the UPF's physical location.
2. The system of claim 1 , the operations further comprising: receiving, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), the session request, wherein determining that the session request is latency-sensitive includes receiving, from a policy control function (PCF), an indication that the session request is latency-sensitive.
3. The system of claim 1 , the operations further comprising: periodically receiving, from the first user plane function, updated latency information; and updating the data structure with the updated latency information.
The invention relates to a system for managing network latency data in a telecommunications network, particularly in a 5G or similar architecture. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining accurate and up-to-date latency measurements between network nodes to optimize data routing and service quality. In a 5G network, latency between user plane functions (UPFs) and other network elements can fluctuate due to varying traffic conditions, hardware performance, or network congestion. Accurate latency data is critical for selecting optimal paths for data transmission, ensuring low-latency services, and maintaining quality of service (QoS) guarantees. The system includes a data structure that stores latency information between a first user plane function (UPF) and other network elements. The system periodically receives updated latency measurements from the first UPF, reflecting real-time changes in network conditions. These updates are then integrated into the data structure to maintain current latency information. This dynamic updating ensures that routing decisions are based on the latest network performance data, improving efficiency and reliability. The system may also include mechanisms to process and analyze the latency data, such as calculating average latency, identifying trends, or triggering alerts when latency exceeds predefined thresholds. By continuously updating the latency information, the system enables adaptive network management, reducing delays and enhancing user experience in latency-sensitive applications like video streaming, gaming, or real-time communications.
4. A method comprising: receiving, from a user device, a session request; determining that a first user plane system is associated with a lower latency than a second user plane system; and transmitting, to the first user plane system and based at least in part on the session request, a request to provide services to the user device, wherein the second user plane system is in closer physical proximity to the user device than the first user plane system.
This invention relates to optimizing network service delivery by selecting a user plane system based on latency rather than physical proximity. In wireless communication networks, user plane systems handle data transmission between user devices and the core network. While conventional systems typically route traffic to the nearest user plane system to minimize physical distance, this approach does not account for latency variations caused by network congestion, processing delays, or other factors. The invention addresses this by dynamically selecting a user plane system with lower latency, even if it is farther away, to improve service performance. The method involves receiving a session request from a user device and evaluating the latency of available user plane systems. If a first user plane system is determined to have lower latency than a second, closer system, the request is routed to the first system for service provision. This ensures that data transmission prioritizes speed over proximity, enhancing user experience in applications requiring low-latency responses, such as real-time gaming, video streaming, or cloud computing. The approach may involve real-time monitoring of network conditions to dynamically adjust routing decisions. By decoupling service selection from physical location, the invention enables more efficient and responsive network operations.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising: receiving, from the first user plane system, first latency information identifying the first user plane system and a first latency associated with the first user plane system; receiving, from the second user plane system, second latency information identifying the second user plane system and a second latency associated with the second user plane system, wherein determining that the first user plane system is associated with the lower latency than the second user plane system includes comparing the first latency information and the second latency information.
This invention relates to optimizing network performance in a telecommunications system by selecting a user plane system with lower latency. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently route data traffic through the most responsive user plane system to minimize delays in data transmission. The method involves receiving latency information from multiple user plane systems, each identifying the system and its associated latency. For example, a first user plane system provides first latency information including its identity and a first latency value, while a second user plane system provides second latency information including its identity and a second latency value. The method compares these latency values to determine which user plane system has the lower latency. Based on this comparison, the system with the lower latency is selected for data routing, ensuring faster and more efficient data transmission. This approach dynamically optimizes network performance by continuously evaluating and selecting the most responsive user plane system for handling traffic. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where minimizing latency is critical, such as in real-time applications or high-speed data processing environments.
6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising: storing the first latency information in a first entry of a data structure; and storing the second latency information in a second entry of the data structure, wherein determining the first user plane system is associated with the lower latency than the second user plane system further includes accessing the first latency information and the second latency information from the data structure.
7. The method of claim 4 , further comprising: determining the session request is a priority request.
A system and method for managing network sessions prioritizes certain requests to improve efficiency and resource allocation. The invention addresses the problem of handling high volumes of network session requests, where some requests may require immediate attention due to their critical nature. The method involves analyzing incoming session requests to identify those that are designated as priority requests. These priority requests are then processed ahead of non-priority requests, ensuring that critical operations are handled without delay. The system may use predefined criteria or real-time analysis to determine priority status, such as request type, source, or urgency indicators. By dynamically adjusting the processing order, the system optimizes network performance and ensures that high-priority tasks are completed in a timely manner. This approach is particularly useful in environments where latency and response time are critical, such as financial transactions, emergency services, or real-time data processing. The method integrates with existing session management protocols to seamlessly incorporate priority handling without disrupting normal operations. The invention enhances overall system reliability and user experience by ensuring that important requests are prioritized appropriately.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein determining the session request is the priority request includes determining the session request is latency-sensitive.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein determining the session request is the priority request includes receiving an indication that user device is associated with a premium subscription service.
10. The method of claim 4 , wherein the session request is received via a radio access network (RAN).
11. The method of claim 4 , wherein the first user plane system is a first user plane function and the second user plane system is a second user plane function.
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising: determining the session request is a priority request by receiving, from a policy control function (PCF), an indication that the session request is latency-sensitive, wherein receiving, from the user device, the session request includes receiving the session request via a radio access network (RAN) and an access and mobility management function (AMF).
13. The method of claim 4 , wherein the first user plane system includes at least one of a first serving gateway (SGW) node or a first packet data network (PDN) gateway (PGW) node, and wherein the second user plane system includes at least one of a second SGW node or a second PGW node.
14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising: determining the session request is a priority request by receiving, from a policy and charging rules function (PCRF), an indication that the session request is latency-sensitive.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon programming instructions which, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to perform operations comprising: receiving, from a user device, a session request; determining that a first user plane system is associated with a lower latency than a second user plane system; and transmitting, to the first user plane system and based at least in part on the session request, a request to provide services to the user device, wherein the second user plane system is in closer physical proximity to the user device than the first user plane system.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the operations further comprise: receiving, from the first user plane system, first latency information identifying the first user plane system and a first latency associated with the first user plane system; receiving, from the second user plane system, second latency information identifying the second user plane system and a second latency associated with the second user plane system, wherein determining that the first user plane system is associated with the lower latency than the second user plane system includes comparing the first latency information and the second latency information.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16 , wherein the operations further comprise: storing the first latency information in a first entry of a data structure; and storing the second latency information in a second entry of the data structure, wherein determining the first user plane system is associated with the lower latency than the second user plane system further includes accessing the first latency information and the second latency information from the data structure.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the operations further comprise: determining the session request is a priority request, including: determining the session request is latency-sensitive, or receiving an indication that user device is associated with a premium subscription service.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the operations further comprise: determining the session request is a priority request by receiving, from a policy control function (PCF), an indication that the session request is latency-sensitive, wherein receiving, from the user device, the session request includes receiving the session request via a radio access network (RAN) and an access and mobility management function (AMF).
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the operations further comprise: determining the session request is a priority request by receiving, from a policy and charging rules function (PCRF), an indication that the session request is latency-sensitive, wherein the first user plane system includes at least one of a first serving gateway (SGW) node or a first packet data network (PDN) gateway (PGW) node, and wherein the second user plane system includes at least one of a second SGW node or a second PGW node.
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January 26, 2021
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